Victory in Town Green battle

From Page 1 at the committee’s decision and have called on the school to work with them to find a way to ensure the playing fields can be used for the good of the whole community.

It is not yet known whether Cotham School will seek a Judicial Review of the decision in the High Court.

After the committee vote on June 28, the school said in a statement: “We are deeply disappointed by the decision, but nevertheless thank the committee for its consideration of this matter. Our first priority remains ensuring the best possible educational experience for our students in a happy and secure environment, and this lies at the heart of everything we do. We will now carefully reflect on the outcome.”

At the time of going to print, Cotham School had not responded to the Voice’s request for an interview.

Cotham School erected the 2m high fence, and restricted public access in 2019, after being granted a lease to use the field for PE by Bristol City Council.

Now, five years after they first applied for Town Green status for the site, the campaign group We Love Stoke Lodge (WLSL) has convinced the council to agree to the formal designation, which means the public will have unfettered access.

Some of the debate centred on historic use of the field –WLSL said the fields had been used by local people for decades. A previous application for Town Green status was turned down in 2016.

Since the fence was erected there have been numerous public rows between the school and campaigners, including claims of criminal damage of the fence and gates – culminating last year when the school installed covert CCTV cameras.

WLSL campaigner Helen